St Michael's Church, Alnwick

St Michael's Church in Alnwick is a medieval church building featuring a hexagonal turret, stone effigies, and medieval grave slabs. The structure displays architectural elements from different periods, blending romanesque and gothic styles throughout its design.

The church was originally established in the 12th century, but the current structure dates from 1401 and underwent major reconstruction following damage from Scottish raids. These rebuilding efforts after the attacks shaped its appearance for centuries to come.

The carved capitals in St Catherine's Chapel show the coats of arms of the Percy and Vesci families, who were powerful local noble families. These decorative elements reflect the close ties between the church and the ruling families of the region.

The church sits on Bailiffgate street and is easily accessible from the town center. Regular Anglican services take place here, and visitors are welcome to explore the interior at their own pace.

A defensive tower sits at the southeast corner, originally built to protect against Scottish raids and later used to watch for Napoleonic threats. This fortified structure shows how border churches took on practical defensive duties.

Location: Alnwick

Inception: 15 century

GPS coordinates: 55.41700,-1.71120

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44